Will Manchester United add to Tottenham’s recent woes?

Will Manchester United boss David Moyes be all smiles after the Red Devils game against Tottenham on Sunday

Manchester United have endured a difficult start to the season under David Moyes.

However, on Wednesday night the Red Devils started to show signs that they getting back to top form with a 5-0 away hammering of German side Bayer Leverkusen in the Champions League

That result was achieved without the likes of Robin van Persie, Nemanja Vidic and Michael Carrick.

The win ensured United’s place in the knockout stages of the Champions League. On Sunday the reigning champions face a trip to face Tottenham at White Hart Lane.

Struggle

Tottenham have lost the last two Premier League games and have not scored in their last three. Much was expected of Spurs this season, after they spent the money received from the world record sale of attacker Gareth Bale to Real Madrid.

The new signings have not yet worked out for the men from north London, which has led to speculation over the future of Portuguese boss Andre Villas-Boas. Some English papers were even suggesting that Villas-Boas’ job could be under threat in the near future.

Needed

Tottenham’s last game against Manchester City was a nightmare and the game against Manchester United may be just what Tottenham need. Spurs will have to be at their best to challenge the reigning champions.

Maybe the Tottenham players will respond with a big performance. Villas-Boas men definitely need to come up with a more lively account of themselves against David Moyes’ side on Sunday. Spurs have slipped into ninth place in the Premier League, but they are still only two points away from the Champions League spots.

Injuries

David Moyes has had to endure a pretty long injury list this season. Highly-rated Brazilian full-back Rafael has missed much of the season through injury, while the likes of Nemanja Vidic and Robin van Persie seem to have been carrying injuries throughout the season.

United will head until this game again without influential midfielder Michael Carrick and possibly striker Robin van Persie. When David Moyes has a fully-fit squad he has good resources at his disposal, especially considering that United won the Premier League title in May.

Impressive

England international striker Wayne Rooney has been the star of the season for United. Rooney was rather overshadowed by Van Persie last season, but with Van Persie struggling with niggling injuries this season the striker has stepped-up.

Rooney is the player that has inspired United to a number of victories this season. The England international was again superb in the victory over Bayer Leverkusen in midweek. Another player that impressed in that victory was Japanese playmaker Shinji Kagawa.

The former-Dortmund star has endured mixed fortunes since his move to Old Trafford. His best position is just behind the striker, but he does not get the opportunity to play in that role much because that is usually Rooney’s position.

However, with Van Persie out the team Rooney was pushed into the lone front man role and it allowed the Japanese international to have a big influence on the game. Kagawa has already proved his ability in the Bundesliga and maybe now is the time for him to prove his ability in the English top-flight.

Run

Manchester United have managed to put together a run of 11 matches unbeaten in all competitions and it looks like the Red Devils are looking in far better shape than the opening weeks of the season. As we have seen in previous seasons Manchester United are very capable of putting together a run that could put them right back into the race for the Premier League title.

Difficult

Despite Tottenham’s recent struggles Tottenham have kept seven clean sheets in the Premier League, the most in the top-flight. Their defensive display at Manchester City was not indicative of their efforts this season and they are usually solid at the back.

This will be a difficult encounter for both teams. The draw looks the most likely outcome, but it really would not be surprising if the home side came out of their recent poor run with a victory over the champions.

Will Manchester United add to Tottenham’s recent woes?